Title: The F-It List
Author: Julie Halpern
First published November 12, 2013
256 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781250025654 (ISBN10: 1250025656)
Rating: 3.67
Overview
Julie Halpern’s heartwarming novel, The F-It List, tells the story of two best friends whose friendship is tested when one of them is diagnosed with cancer. After sleeping with Alex’s boyfriend, Becca confesses to Alex that she has cancer.
Despite the betrayal, Alex decides to help her friend complete her bucket list. As they embark on a journey to fulfill each item on the list, they rediscover the true meaning of friendship and the importance of cherishing every moment.
With humor and heart, The F-It List is a poignant and uplifting story about the power of friendship in the face of adversity.
About the Author
Julie Halpern has written five novels for young adults and one picture book for young readers. Her latest book, Maternity Leave, is her debut novel for adult readers.
Before becoming a full-time mom and author, Julie worked as a school librarian. When she’s not busy, she loves to travel, watch TV shows for adults, and indulge in baked goods.
Julie currently resides in the suburbs of Chicago with her husband, Matthew Cordell, who is also an author and illustrator, and their two children.
Editoral Review
Julie Halpern’s The F-It List is a young adult novel that was first published on November 12th, 2013. The book follows the story of Alex and Becca, two friends who decide to create a bucket list of things that they want to do before Alex undergoes chemotherapy.
The novel tackles themes of friendship, terminal illness, and teenage angst with a mixture of humor and heart. Halpern’s writing style is engaging, funny, and relatable.
The book is written in a first-person narrative from Alex’s point of view, which allows the reader to connect with her on a deeper level. The author’s use of dialogues and internal monologues creates a realistic and believable portrayal of the two protagonists’ friendship and struggles.
The plot of The F-It List is fast-paced and well-structured. The list of activities that Alex and Becca set out to complete is varied and ranges from typical teenage experiences like kissing a boy to more daring challenges like trespassing.
The tension in the novel comes from Alex’s cancer diagnosis, and the reader is continually aware of the ticking clock of her illness. The characters in the novel are well-developed, and the reader gets a sense of the protagonists’ personalities and motivations.
Alex is portrayed as a headstrong and determined character, while Becca acts as the balancing force, reassuring Alex and keeping her grounded. Halpern’s novel touches on issues of mortality and the value of life.
The idea of living in the moment and cherishing every experience is well-explored through the story’s characters. The fact that the protagonists are teenagers adds an even more poignant dimension to these issues.
Overall, The F-It List is a poignant, humorous, and relatable read. Halpern’s writing style is engaging, and the plot is well-structured, making for a fast-paced read.
While the novel’s themes are heavy, the author balances them with humor and levity. However, the romance subplot is somewhat predictable and cliched, which may not be to everyone’s taste.
I would recommend The F-It List to anyone looking for a thought-provoking, heartwarming read that explores issues of friendship, terminal illness, and teenage angst. It would be an excellent addition to any young adult’s bookshelf.
On a scale of ten, I would give this book an eight, primarily because of its well-developed characters and fast-paced plot.